A controversial VAR decision overshadowed Konyaspor's 0-0 Süper Lig draw with Başakşehir in week seven. A penalty awarded in the 56th minute for an alleged handball by Başakşehir's Michał Karbownik was overturned following a video review.
Referee Batuhan Kolak initially pointed to the spot after Deniz Türüç's header struck Karbownik's arm, but an offside flag halted play. VAR official Ali Şansalan confirmed no offside and recommended an on-field review for the handball incident. Kolak examined multiple angles, including one from behind the goal, and concluded the ball did not touch the defender's other hand.
"Okay. My final decision is to cancel the penalty. I'm restarting play with a drop ball," Kolak stated. Şansalan replied with an affirmative. The Turkish Football Federation later released the VAR audio recordings containing this exchange.
Konyaspor's technical director İlhan Palut commented afterwards, saying the camera angles shown made it very difficult to assess the situation clearly. He highlighted the challenge this presented for the officials.
The draw extends Konyaspor's unbeaten run to three matches, though they remain 16th in the table with just five points from seven games. Their recent form reads DDDWL from the last five outings. Next, they face a tough trip to third-placed Amed on Saturday, 17 October, as they search for key points.
The report in full is at saraymedya.com
